Sofia Martinez
Sperm whales are one of the many whale species that are endangered. They are found in all the world's oceans and are known to feed on giant squids, octopuses, fish, shrimp, crab, and small sharks. However, in recent years, they have also been found to feed on plastic waste. The issue of plastic pollution in oceans has become a critical problem, with whale deaths due to ingestion of plastics becoming far too common. In this article, we will explore the impact of plastic waste on sperm whales and the steps being taken to address this issue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of sperm whales found dead from plastic ingestion in 2016 | 13 |
| Number of dead sperm whales found washed up in Europe in the first quarter of 2016 | 30 |
| Weight of plastic debris found in a sperm whale that washed up on the Murcian coast in Spain | 64 pounds |
| Weight of plastic found in a sperm whale that washed up in Indonesia | 13 pounds |
| Weight of plastic found in a pilot whale that washed up in Songkhla, Thailand | 8 kilograms |
| Weight of plastic in the ocean | 150 million tons |
| Amount of plastic entering the ocean each year | 8 million tons |
| Year by which the amount of plastic in the ocean may outweigh fish | 2050 |
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What You'll Learn
Sperm whales are endangered
Sperm whales, or cachalots, are considered endangered under the Endangered Species Act and are also designated as depleted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They are the largest of the toothed whales and the largest toothed predators, with mature males averaging 16 metres (52 feet) in length. The sperm whale population was decimated by commercial whaling in the 1800s and early 1900s, and while commercial whaling has now ceased, the species is still recovering from this exploitation.
The total number of sperm whales in the world is unknown, but it is thought to be in the hundreds of thousands. Prior to whaling, sperm whales may have numbered 1.1 million worldwide, according to the American Cetacean Society. Today, the species is protected almost worldwide, and its numbers are likely increasing. However, in the 11-year period starting from 2000, Japanese vessels caught 51 sperm whales, and entanglement in fishing nets and collisions with ships continue to pose significant threats to the population.
The sperm whale's diet usually consists of giant squid, supplemented with octopus, fish, shrimp, crab, and small sharks. However, plastic waste in the ocean has become a serious threat to the species. In recent years, there have been several reports of sperm whales dying after ingesting large amounts of plastic, including a 33-foot whale that washed up on a beach in Spain with 64 pounds of plastic in its stomach, and another in Indonesia with 13 pounds of plastic. These incidents serve as grim reminders of the dangers of plastic pollution and its impact on marine life.
The ingestion of plastic waste is not only fatal to individual whales but also disrupts the ocean food chain, exposing marine life to toxic chemicals. It is estimated that around 150 million tons of plastic are already floating in our oceans, with an additional eight million tons entering the water each year. If current rates of plastic dumping continue, the amount of plastic in the ocean may outweigh fish by 2050. This poses a significant threat to sperm whales and other marine life, underscoring the urgent need for global efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect these endangered species.
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Plastic pollution in Southeast Asia
Sperm whales are among the many marine animals that have been affected by plastic pollution. In 2018, a sperm whale that washed up on the beach of Cabo de Palos was found to have died from an abdominal infection caused by the ingestion of plastic waste. This incident brought to light the issue of plastic pollution in the oceans, with around 150 million tons of plastic already floating in the oceans and an additional eight million tons entering each year.
The issue of plastic pollution in Southeast Asia has been recognized by regional organizations and governments, who have taken steps to address it. In 2021, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) launched the Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (RAP), outlining priority actions for regional and national implementation. Country-specific studies have also been conducted to assess the market potential for recycled plastics and create national action plans.
The Southeast Asia Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics (SEA-MaP) is another initiative financed through a $20 million grant, supporting priority actions identified in the RAP. This program aims to reduce plastic consumption, enhance recycling, and minimize leakage to prevent land and marine-based plastic pollution in the region. Indonesia, for instance, has set a target to reduce its plastic use by 70% by 2025, with the government urging shops to stop providing plastic bags and educating children about the problems of plastic waste.
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Plastic waste in the Mediterranean
Sperm whales have been found dead with plastic waste in their stomachs, including a 33-foot-long whale that washed up on a beach in Cabo de Palos, Spain, in February 2018 with 64 pounds of plastic debris in its stomach. This was not an isolated incident, as sperm whales have been found dead with plastic waste in their stomachs in Indonesia, Germany, and Greece as well. These tragic incidents highlight the severe problem of plastic pollution in our oceans, including the Mediterranean Sea.
The Mediterranean Sea is considered the "world's sixth greatest accumulation zone" for marine plastic litter, also known as an invisible "sixth garbage patch." This sea, which accounts for only 1% of the world's waters, holds approximately 7% of the global microplastics. The semi-enclosed shape of the Mediterranean basin, its cyclonic circulation, and the currents in the region cause plastic waste to accumulate within it. Once plastic waste enters the Mediterranean, it is difficult for it to escape.
Plastic accounts for 80% of the waste dispersed in the marine and coastal environment of the Mediterranean Sea. Microplastics, in particular, are a significant concern, with concentrations in surface waters exceeding 100,000 objects per km2, according to a 2015 study. These microplastics are not limited to the surface but are also found on beaches and the deep seafloor. The primary sources of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean include tourism activities, a large coastal population, inefficient waste management, unsustainable consumption patterns, and the increased use of plastics.
The impact of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean extends beyond the environmental realm, affecting people's quality of life. It leads to reduced recreational opportunities, loss of aesthetic value, and potential economic consequences, including a decline in tourism revenues. Furthermore, microplastics derived from agricultural practices and fragmented larger plastic items at sea pose a threat to human health and the livelihoods of those dependent on fisheries.
To address plastic waste in the Mediterranean, efforts are being made to enhance the capacities of coastal cities and islands to reduce plastic leakage. Scientific evidence is also being provided to stakeholders to promote the development of innovative solutions and accelerate the prevention of plastic pollution through initiatives like BeMed.
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Plastic ingestion causing whale deaths
Plastic ingestion is a significant cause of whale deaths. The problem is widespread, with whales found dead from plastic ingestion in Indonesia, Spain, Greece, Germany, the Philippines, and the UK. In one case, a sperm whale washed up on the beach of Cabo de Palos, Spain, with 64 pounds of plastic debris in its stomach. Another whale in the Philippines had 88 pounds of plastic waste in its stomach when it died.
Whales are particularly vulnerable to plastic ingestion because they can mistake plastic bags for their natural prey, such as squid. Once ingested, plastic can obstruct a whale's bowels, preventing digestion and leading to starvation. It can also give whales a false sense of fullness, causing them to eat less and become weaker. Sharp edges on plastic debris can also puncture holes in a whale's internal organs.
The impact of plastic ingestion on whales is alarming, and it is just one aspect of the broader problem of plastic pollution in the oceans. It is estimated that around 150 million tons of plastic are already floating in the world's oceans, with an additional eight million tons entering each year. This plastic pollution poses a significant threat to marine life, including whales, dolphins, seabirds, and turtles.
To address this issue, a united global response is necessary to prevent and control plastic pollution. Efforts such as the Global Ghost Gear Initiative (GGGI) aim to reduce the amount of plastic fishing gear lost or discarded in the ocean, which accounts for about 10% of ocean plastic pollution. By joining initiatives like the GGGI, countries can access technical support and resources to tackle the plastic pollution crisis and protect marine life, including whales.
The problem of plastic ingestion by whales highlights the urgent need for a global solution to reduce plastic waste and protect the health of our oceans and the marine life that depends on them.
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Governments' response to plastic pollution
The issue of plastic pollution has gained prominence in recent years, with governments worldwide adopting policies, laws, and regulations to combat this pressing issue. This response comes amidst growing evidence of the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on marine life, with numerous incidents of sperm whales ingesting plastic waste and dying as a result.
In 2020, a free, open-access inventory compiled 291 plastic pollution policies, which has since expanded to encompass 571 policies. This inventory serves as a valuable resource, providing insights into the actions taken by governments to address the plastic pollution crisis. The policies in the inventory are categorized into international, national, and subnational levels, each with distinct approaches and target areas.
At the international level, policies often outline plans for future action, indicating a proactive stance on plastic pollution. These policies are crucial in establishing global cooperation and coordination in tackling this issue. National and subnational policies, on the other hand, tend to focus on banning specific plastic items, such as macroplastics and bags, which are known for their detrimental impact on the environment.
However, it is important to note that the production phase of plastic items is often under-regulated and under-researched, despite being a critical aspect of the plastic pollution problem. This discrepancy highlights the need for more comprehensive policies that address the entire lifecycle of plastic products, from production to consumption and disposal.
To address the issue of plastic pollution effectively, governments must continue to collaborate and share best practices. The United Nations Environment Assembly's (UNEA) Resolution 4/6 emphasizes the importance of rigorous monitoring of government responses and progress in reducing plastic pollution. By sharing knowledge and learning from each other's successes and challenges, governments can collectively make a significant impact in mitigating plastic pollution and preserving the health of our oceans and marine life.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a sperm whale was found dead with 13 pounds of plastic in its stomach in Indonesia.
Plastic bags, pieces of net, and a plastic water container were found in the whale's stomach.
The whale died of an abdominal infection called peritonitis, as it was unable to digest the waste it had swallowed, causing its digestive system to rupture.
No, other species of whales, such as pilot whales and dwarf sperm whales, have also been found with plastic in their stomachs.
Efforts to reduce plastic pollution include phasing out single-use plastic bags, implementing regulations against dumping plastic waste into oceans, and raising awareness about the dangers of plastic waste to marine life.
